U.S. patent application number 14/592869 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-09 for board carrier.
This patent application is currently assigned to YAKIMA INNOVATION DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is Yakima Innovation Development Corporation. Invention is credited to Dave Condon, Jason A. Sagen, Chris Sautter.
Application Number | 20150191127 14/592869 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53494579 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150191127 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sautter; Chris ; et
al. |
July 9, 2015 |
BOARD CARRIER
Abstract
A vehicle rooftop system for carrying boards, such as SUP
boards, may include a support unit having an elongate body, a
self-adjusting strap slidably attached to the body, and a
load-assist roller. A lockable cam buckle for securing the strap
may be included at one end portion of the unit, and a paddle
carrier may be included at another end portion.
Inventors: |
Sautter; Chris; (Portland,
OR) ; Sagen; Jason A.; (Portland, OR) ;
Condon; Dave; (Wilsonville, OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Yakima Innovation Development Corporation |
Georgetown Grand Cayman |
|
KY |
|
|
Assignee: |
YAKIMA INNOVATION DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION
Georgetown Grand Cayman
KY
|
Family ID: |
53494579 |
Appl. No.: |
14/592869 |
Filed: |
January 8, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61925094 |
Jan 8, 2014 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/331 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 9/052 20130101;
B60R 9/08 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60R 9/052 20060101
B60R009/052; B60R 9/08 20060101 B60R009/08 |
Claims
1. A rack for carrying a board on top of a vehicle having an
elongate axis parallel to the direction of vehicular travel, the
rack comprising: a pair of coupling devices for attaching a
crossbar to the vehicle, the crossbar being substantially
perpendicular to the elongate axis of the vehicle; a support unit
having an elongate body, a clamp attached to a lower portion of the
body for mounting the support unit to the crossbar with a long axis
of the body parallel to the crossbar, a load-bearing surface on an
upper portion of the body, and an end portion of the body including
a buckle mechanism; a retainer movably attached to the support
unit, the retainer configured to travel toward and away from the
buckle mechanism along a path substantially parallel to the long
axis of the body; and an elongate strap having a first end portion
secured to the movable retainer and a second end portion opposite
the first end portion; wherein the buckle mechanism is configured
to releasably secure the second end portion of the strap.
2. The rack of claim 1, the body further including a central
channel running parallel to the long axis of the body, wherein the
movable retainer is slidably retained by the channel.
3. The rack of claim 2, wherein the load-bearing surface comprises
two resilient elastomer pads disposed on opposite sides of the
central channel.
4. The rack of claim 1, wherein the buckle mechanism comprises a
releasable cam portion configured to prevent relative motion of the
strap in one direction when engaged and to allow relative motion of
the strap in two directions when released.
5. The rack of claim 1, wherein the end portion of the body is a
first end portion, the body further including a second end portion,
and wherein the retainer member is configured to slide freely along
a predefined linear path between the first and second end
portions.
6. The rack of claim 1, wherein the load-bearing surface comprises
a resilient elastomer pad.
7. The rack of claim 1, further comprising a roller operatively
attached to the end portion of the body.
8. The rack of claim 1, wherein the buckle mechanism is lockable to
prevent release.
9. The rack of claim 1, further including a mechanical stop
disposed in the path of the retainer, the mechanical stop being
configured to confine movement of the retainer to a fraction of the
length of the body.
10. The rack of claim 9, wherein the movement of the retainer is
confined to a range equivalent to approximately ten to
approximately fifty percent of the length of the body.
11. The rack of claim 9, wherein the body further includes a
central channel running parallel to the long axis of the body, the
movable retainer is slidably retained by the channel, and the
mechanical stop is disposed in the channel.
12. A cargo specific rack accessory for carrying a board on top of
a vehicle having an elongate axis parallel to the direction of
vehicular travel, the accessory comprising: an elongate body having
an upper load-bearing surface, a first end, and a second end; a
traveling retainer attached to the body such that the retainer is
capable of traveling freely along a length of the body alternately
toward and away from the first end of the body; and a strap having
a first end portion secured by the retainer and a second end
portion opposite the first end portion; wherein the strap and
traveling retainer are configured such that a securing width
automatically adjusts to correspond to a board placed transversely
on the body when the second end portion of the strap is placed over
the board and pulled toward the first end of the body.
13. The accessory of claim 12, further including a buckle mechanism
disposed near the first end of the body, the buckle mechanism being
configured to secure the second end portion of the strap.
14. A cargo specific rack accessory for carrying a board on top of
a vehicle having an elongate axis parallel to the direction of
vehicular travel, the accessory comprising: an elongate body having
an upper load-bearing surface, a first end portion, and a second
end portion; a strap having a proximal end portion secured to the
body and a distal end portion opposite the proximal end portion;
the first end portion of the body including a buckle and a roller
assembly, the buckle configured to selectively secure the distal
end portion of the strap, and the roller assembly having a
generally cylindrical roller rotatable about an axis oriented
transverse to a long axis of the body.
15. The accessory of claim 14, wherein the roller protrudes above a
plane defined by the upper load-bearing surface.
16. The accessory of claim 14, wherein the buckle includes a
locking feature configured to prevent removal of the strap from the
buckle.
17. The accessory of claim 14, wherein the roller is disposed
adjacent to the buckle mechanism and rotates about an axle oriented
perpendicular to the long axis of the body.
18. The accessory of claim 14, wherein the roller is disposed
between a longitudinal center of the body and the buckle
mechanism.
19. The accessory of claim 14, wherein the proximal end portion of
the strap is secured to the first end portion by a travelling
anchor block, the anchor block configured to be movable along a
path between the first end portion and the second end portion.
20. The accessory of claim 19, the body further including a central
channel running parallel to the long axis of the body, wherein the
anchor block is slidably retained by the channel.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit under
35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.
No. 61/925,094, filed Jan. 8, 2014. The complete disclosure of the
above-identified patent application is hereby incorporated by
reference for all purposes.
[0002] The following related applications and materials are
incorporated herein, in their entireties, for all purposes: U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/861,260; U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/816,121; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/874,391.
Others may be incorporated by reference throughout the following
disclosure.
FIELD
[0003] This disclosure generally relates to cargo-specific rack
accessories for vehicle rooftop racks. Specifically, it relates to
accessories for carrying boards such as surf boards, stand up
paddle (SUP) boards, and the like.
INTRODUCTION
[0004] The popularity of recreational and competitive stand up
paddle (SUP) boarding or surfing has grown substantially in recent
years. The sport originated in Hawaii and is known in the Hawaiian
language as "hoe he'e nalu." As a result of the sport's rise since
its introduction in the previous decade, and with the continuing
success of standard surfing, using short and long surf boards, the
demand for carriers to transport boards of varying dimensions and
designs, on cars and other vehicles, has also risen significantly.
Innovation is still needed to improve carrier designs for
accommodating boards of different configurations, either one at a
time or in multiples, in a stable and secure manner, while also
facilitating easy loading and unloading.
SUMMARY
[0005] The present disclosure provide a board carrier system and
related methods. In some embodiments, a rack for carrying a board
on top of a vehicle (the vehicle having an elongate axis parallel
to the direction of vehicular travel) may include a pair of
coupling devices for attaching a crossbar to the vehicle, the
crossbar being substantially perpendicular to the elongate axis of
the vehicle. A support unit may have an elongate body, a clamp
attached to a lower portion of the body for mounting the support
unit to the crossbar with a long axis of the body parallel to the
crossbar, a load-bearing surface on an upper portion of the body,
and an end portion of the body including a buckle mechanism. A
retainer may be movably attached to the support unit, the retainer
configured to travel toward and away from the buckle mechanism
along a path substantially parallel to the long axis of the body.
An elongate strap may have a first end portion secured to the
movable retainer and a second end portion opposite the first end
portion. The buckle mechanism may be configured to releasably
secure the second end portion of the strap.
[0006] In some embodiments, a cargo-specific rack accessory for
carrying a board on top of a vehicle, the vehicle having an
elongate axis parallel to the direction of vehicular travel, may
include an elongate body having an upper load-bearing surface, a
first end, and a second end. A traveling retainer may be attached
to the body such that the retainer is capable of traveling freely
along a length of the body alternately toward and away from the
first end of the body. A strap may have a first end portion secured
by the retainer and a second end portion opposite the first end
portion. The strap and traveling retainer may be configured such
that a securing width automatically adjusts to correspond to a
board placed transversely on the body when the second end portion
of the strap is placed over the board and pulled toward the first
end of the body.
[0007] In some embodiments, a cargo-specific rack accessory may be
included for carrying a board on top of a vehicle having an
elongate axis parallel to the direction of vehicular travel. The
accessory may include an elongate body having an upper load-bearing
surface, a first end portion, and a second end portion. A strap may
have a proximal end portion secured to the body and a distal end
portion opposite the proximal end portion. The first end portion of
the body may include a buckle and a roller assembly, the buckle
configured to selectively secure the distal end portion of the
strap, and the roller assembly having a generally cylindrical
roller rotatable about an axis oriented transverse to a long axis
of the body.
[0008] Features, functions, and advantages may be achieved
independently in various embodiments of the present disclosure, or
may be combined in yet other embodiments, further details of which
can be seen with reference to the following description and
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative board
carrier support unit showing possible relationships between various
components.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a SUP board secured to a
vehicle rooftop rack using an illustrative board carrier in
accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 3 is an overhead isometric view of an illustrative
support unit with clamps attached.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a bottom isometric view of the support unit of
FIG. 3.
[0013] FIG. 5 is an isometric partial view of an illustrative
support unit, showing a strap retention member slidably engaged in
a channel of the support unit.
[0014] FIG. 6 is an overhead isometric view of an illustrative
support unit having an integrated roller.
[0015] FIG. 7 is an overhead isometric view of an illustrative
support unit with the strap assembly removed and showing a paddle
retention device at one end.
[0016] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of an illustrative end portion
of a support unit, with a casing removed to show internal
components of a strap retention mechanism.
[0017] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of an illustrative end portion
of a support unit, with a casing removed to show internal
components of a paddle retention device.
[0018] FIG. 10 is an elevation view of a portion of an illustrative
support unit, showing relative positions of selected
components.
DESCRIPTION
Overview
[0019] Various embodiments of carriers for surf boards, SUP boards,
and the like are described below and illustrated in the associated
drawings. Unless otherwise specified, a board carrier and/or its
various components may, but are not required to, contain at least
one of the structure, components, functionality, and/or variations
described, illustrated, and/or incorporated herein. Furthermore,
the structures, components, functionalities, and/or variations
described, illustrated, and/or incorporated herein in connection
with the present teachings may, but are not required to, be
included in other embodiments and types of carriers. The following
description of various embodiments is merely exemplary in nature
and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application,
or uses. Additionally, the advantages provided by the embodiments,
as described below, are illustrative in nature and not all
embodiments provide the same advantages or the same degree of
advantages.
[0020] Carrier systems for carrying boards, including but not
limited to surf boards and SUP boards, on top of a vehicle are
shown in the attached drawings, and described in detail below.
These systems may be referred to as SUP board carrier systems,
because they may accommodate SUP-style boards. However, it should
be understood that other board types may also be carried. In
general, a SUP board carrier system may include a pair of supports,
also referred to as units, mounted on a rooftop rack of a vehicle,
one support for the front portion of a board and one for a rear
portion of the same board. In general, the terms "rear" and "front"
may be interchangeable, as the SUP board carrier system may be
mounted in either a front-facing or a rear-facing orientation,
and/or front and rear supports may be essentially identical.
[0021] Turning to FIG. 1, an illustrative support 10 for use in a
board carrier system is shown schematically. As mentioned above,
support 10 may be interchangeably referred to as a unit or a
support unit. Support 10 may include any suitable components
configured to cradle, support, and secure an expected board such as
a surf board or a SUP board. Support 10 may include an elongate
body 12, having a first end portion 14 and a second end portion 16.
Body 12 may be include any suitable structure configured to support
and cushion the board, such as a rigid underlying structure having
a resilient upper support surface 17 on which the board rests. Body
12 may be a single piece, or may include a plurality of portions,
either connected or discrete, or any combination thereof. For
example, a single elongate body may be mounted to a rooftop carrier
system. In other examples, each end portion may be separate from
the other, and each end portion may be mounted to a respective side
of the rooftop carrier system, with a gap or space between the end
portions.
[0022] Support 10 may include a clamp 18, which may be operatively
connected to body 12, or any portion thereof. Clamp 18 may include
any suitable structure configured to securely and removably mount
support 10 to a vehicle rooftop, such as a clamp configured to
attach to a crossbar.
[0023] Support 10 may include a strap assembly 20. Strap assembly
20 may include any suitable structure and/or device configured to
secure the board to support surface 13 of body 12. For example,
strap assembly 20 may include an elongate strap 22, secured at a
first (proximal) end 24, 24' and adjustably securable at a second
(distal) end 26. Strap 22 may be secured at first end 24 to second
end portion 16 of body 12. In some embodiments, strap 22 may be
secured at first end 24' to an adjustable retainer 28. Adjustable
retainer 28 may include any suitable structure or apparatus
configured to move or travel along a long axis of body 12, thereby
adjusting the effective width, also referred to as the securing
width, of the unit by adjusting the amount of support surface
available to the board. In some examples, retainer 28 may be
movably attached to the body such that the retainer is capable of
traveling freely along a length of the body alternately toward and
away from first end portion 14. In some examples, retainer 28 may
be configured to slide or otherwise travel freely along a
predefined linear path between the first and second end portions.
For example, a board that is significantly narrower than body 12
may be supported. One long edge of the board may be placed closer
to first end portion 14. Adjustable retainer 28 may then be
relocated adjacent to the opposite edge of the board, thereby
minimizing side to side slop or space under the retaining
strap.
[0024] Distal end 26 of strap 22 may be removably and/or adjustably
securable at first end portion 14, such as by a securing mechanism
30 located near, integrated in, or connected to the first end
portion. Securing mechanism 30 may include any suitable structure
and/or device configured to receive a selected length of strap 22
and prevent the length of strap from being withdrawn
unintentionally. For example, securing mechanism 30 may include an
adjustable snap-fit buckle, a traditional frame and prong buckle to
interface with corresponding holes in strap 22, a cam-release
buckle, or any other mechanism for releasably securing a strap at a
selected length. In some embodiments, securing mechanism 30 may be
integrated into an end portion of the device. In some embodiments,
securing mechanism 30 may be attached to the end portion or body
12, such as by a lanyard, strap, chain, or the like.
[0025] In some embodiments, distal end 26 of strap 22 may be
permanently or non-adjustably secured at first end portion 14 by a
non-releasable securing mechanism 30. In these embodiments, an
adjustment mechanism may be employed at an intermediate portion of
the strap, to snug the strap to a supported board. In other words,
the overall effective length of the strap may be adjusted, rather
than the position at which the strap is secured.
[0026] Support unit 10 may include a roller 32 at first end portion
14. Roller 32 may include any suitable rotating or low-friction
structure configured to support the weight of an expected board and
to facilitate supported sliding of the board onto body 12 from one
side of the unit during a loading process. For example, roller 32
may include a generally cylindrical roller having a central axle
oriented perpendicular to the long axis of the overall support
unit. Some or all of roller 32 may project above the upper profile
of body 12, such that a board being loaded can roll on the roller
without experiencing the full friction of the upper support
surface. In some embodiments, roller 32 may include a non-rotating
portion with a lower coefficient of friction than support surface
17, such that the board may be loaded with sliding support rather
than rolling support.
[0027] Support unit 10 may include a paddle holder 34 adjacent to
second end portion 16. Paddle holder 34 may include any suitable
structure and/or device configured to releasably secure one or more
paddle handles to the unit. In some embodiments, paddle holder 34
may be configured to work in tandem with a second such holder 34 on
a second unit, such that the elongate paddle handle is supported
similarly in two locations adjacent to a long edge of the board, if
one is installed.
[0028] A SUP or other board may be carried atop a vehicle by one or
more support units 10. For example, a pair of support units 10 may
be mounted to crossbars of a rooftop rack using clamps 18. Strap 22
may be released from securing mechanism 30, and retainer 28 may be
slid as far as possible toward second end portion 16. The board may
then be loaded by placing a first long edge of the board onto both
rollers 32 (if provided) and locating the board squarely onto
support surfaces 17. The board may be placed such that the second
long edge of the board is adjacent to securing mechanisms 30.
Straps 22 may then be placed over the board and distal ends 26 may
be inserted into the securing mechanisms. Tightening the straps
will then cause retainers 28 to travel or slide toward respective
first end portions 14 and securing mechanisms 30. This action
results in a snug fit of the strap over the board. Securing
mechanisms 30 (e.g., buckles) may be lockable, in which case straps
22 may be locked in place such that each strap is not removable
from its buckle. One or more paddles may be cradled or otherwise
supported and secured by paddle holders 34, which may also be
lockable.
[0029] Accordingly, a method for securing a board to a rooftop rack
on a vehicle may include placing a board on top of a vehicle roof
rack. The roof rack may include a first support unit and a second
support unit, each oriented perpendicular to an elongate axis of
the vehicle and each including an upper load bearing surface.
Placing the board may result in a major face of the board
contacting the load bearing surfaces of both the first and the
second support units. At each support unit, a strap may be passed
over the board, the strap being connected at one end to a retainer
member that is slidably connected to the support unit. The retainer
member may be free to slide along the support unit in a direction
perpendicular to the elongate axis of the vehicle. The strap may be
adjusted the strap on the board by pulling on a free end to cause
the retainer member to slide into a position corresponding to a
width of the board. The free end of the strap may be secured in a
buckle mechanism at an end portion of the support unit. The method
may further include placing the board onto rollers protruding above
the respective upper load bearing surfaces of the first and second
support units.
[0030] In some embodiments, a support unit for supporting a board,
such as a SUP board, surf board or the like, may include an
elongate body having an upper load-bearing surface, a first end,
and a second end. A travelling retainer may be attached to the
body, such that the retainer is capable of traveling freely along a
length of the body alternately toward and away from the first end
of the body. A strap may have a first end portion secured by the
retainer and a second end portion opposite the first end portion.
The strap and travelling retainer may be configured such that a
securing width automatically adjusts to correspond to a board
placed transversely on the body when the second end portion of the
strap is placed over the board and pulled toward the first end of
the body.
EXAMPLES, COMPONENTS, AND ALTERNATIVES
[0031] The following examples describe selected aspects of
exemplary board carriers, as well as related systems and/or
methods. These examples are intended for illustration and should
not be interpreted as limiting the entire scope of the present
disclosure. Each example may include one or more distinct
inventions, and/or contextual or related information, function,
and/or structure.
Example 1
[0032] This Example describes an illustrative board carrier system
having a self-adjusting strap. The board carrier system of this
Example includes one or more embodiments of the board carrier
support 10 described above; see FIGS. 2-5.
[0033] FIG. 2 shows an illustrative vehicle rooftop rack 100
mounted to an illustrative vehicle 102. The rack 100 may include a
pair of rails running along the sides of the vehicle roof, with a
pair of crossbars 104 attached to the rails by coupling devices 106
(e.g., towers, feet). In some examples, such as the one shown in
FIG. 2, the coupling devices are connected to a portion of the
vehicle itself rather than separate rails. In general, the vehicle
has an elongate axis 108 running in the direction of vehicle travel
110. Crossbars 104 are typically installed perpendicular to or at
least transverse to that elongate axis 110, as shown in FIG. 2. The
rack shown in FIG. 2 has crossbars 104 with a round cross section.
Crossbars 16 may have any suitable cross section. For example,
crossbars may be round, square, rectangular, teardrop-shaped,
aerodynamic or wing-shaped, oval, or any other suitable shape.
[0034] A SUP board carrier system 112 may be mounted to a rooftop
rack such as the one depicted in FIG. 2, or to many other types of
rooftop racks. In this Example, system 112 includes two support
units 114, with a first support unit 116 attached to one of the
crossbars and a second support unit 118 attached to the other
crossbar, forming a cradle for a SUP board 120 or similar object.
Support units 114 and 116 are embodiments of carrier support 10,
described above. As described further below, one or more mounts or
clamps may be used to facilitate attachment of SUP board carrier
system 112 to crossbars 104.
[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 3-4, an illustrative SUP board
carrier system 112 may include one or more support units 114. Each
support unit 114 may include any suitable components configured to
cradle, support, and secure an expected board. In the example shown
in FIGS. 3 and 4, support unit 114 may include an elongate body
122, a retainer member 124, and an elongate strap 126, as well as
one or more mounting clamps 128 depending from the body for
attaching the unit to a crossbar.
[0036] Elongate body 122 may include any suitably shaped and sized
structure configured to support the weight and contour of a SUP
board or similar object placed thereon with the body spanning the
width of the board. In some examples, elongate body 122 may be made
up of multiple associated sections or pieces, which may or may not
be physically connected to each other, as explained above. In some
examples, body 122 may be unitary or monolithic in nature. In the
example shown in FIGS. 3-4, body 122 includes a rigid structural
base 130, which may be extruded aluminum or the like, and a
load-bearing upper surface 132, which may include a resilient pad
and/or other supportive structures such as elastomeric cushions
configured to conform to the board. Body 122 may include a first
end portion 134 and a second end portion 136, each of which may
include suitable structures to enclose the end to make it more
aerodynamic and/or aesthetically pleasing, as well as to support
internal components, if present.
[0037] With continuing reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, and with
additional reference to FIG. 5, retainer member 124 may include any
suitable structure configured to be attached to the support unit
and movable relative to the body. Retainer member 124 may be
interchangeably referred to as a retainer, retaining member,
anchor, anchor block, retainer block, anchor member, and/or
anchoring member. In the example of support unit 114, upper surface
132 includes resilient pads 138 and 140, which border a central
channel 142 formed in base 130. Retainer member 124 may be
configured with a shaped bottom portion that is retained by and
slides within channel 142.
[0038] One or more mechanical stops (not shown) may be included in
the channel or related structures to limit the range of motion of
the sliding retainer member. For example, a mechanical stop may be
included at an intermediate position in the channel, blocking
anchor member 124 from travelling farther away from second end
portion 136 toward first end portion 134. This arrangement limits
the travel of anchor member 124 to an path having a length shorter
than the overall length of channel 142, facilitating tightened
storage of strap 126 flat against the bottom of channel 142 and/or
simplifying adjustability of the strap when in use by preventing
over-adjustment of the anchor to positions unsuitable for expected
board widths. Travel may be limited to any desired length of
channel. For example, a mechanical stop may be include such that
travel is limited to a range equivalent to one-third or one-half of
the length of channel 142. In some embodiments, travel of retainer
member 124 may be limited to approximately six inches. In some
embodiments, travel of retainer member 124 may be confined to a
range equivalent to approximately ten to approximately fifty
percent of the length of the body. In some embodiments, a position
of the mechanical stop may be adjustable along the length of the
channel. An example of a mechanical stop is shown and described
further below with respect to FIG. 7 (see Example 3). Additionally
or alternatively, channel 142 may extend across a fraction of the
length of body 122, rather than across the entire length. For
example, channel 142 may be formed only partially across body 122.
For example, a length of channel may extend approximately one-third
of the length of body 122, adjacent to second end portion 136.
[0039] Retainer member 124 may include a strap attachment portion
144 configured to provide a secure attachment point for affixing
strap 126 to retainer member 124. In some examples, the attachment
portion may include a spindle, rod, pin, slot, rivet, boss, clamp,
or the like. When the strap is attached to the sliding member, the
attached end of the strap is then capable of sliding with the
member along the channel.
[0040] The extruded structure of base 130 may include one or more
longitudinal tunnels, cavities, enclosed pathways, and/or recesses
146 passing lengthwise through at least a portion of the structure.
One such longitudinal recess may be suitably configured to receive
a portion of strap 126, thereby securing the portion of strap that
may otherwise cause noise and wear issues during vehicle travel
(see FIGS. 4 and 5). In other words, one recess 146 may be
configured to retain an excess portion of the strap extending
beyond the buckle mechanism.
[0041] Strap 126 may include any suitable elongate, flexible
structure configured to secure a board atop body 122 by passing
over the board and being secured at both ends to the support unit.
Strap 126 may include a fabric, a braided fiber, and/or other
material, or any combination thereof, and may include steel or
other metal components and/or a protective coating, covering, or
pad. In some examples, strap 126 may be cut-resistant. In the
examples shown in FIGS. 2-5, strap 126 is affixed at a first end
portion to retainer member 124 at attachment portion 144. Strap 126
includes a length of strap terminating in a second or distal end
portion that is releasably attachable at one end portion of body
122. In use, this attachment is on an opposite side of the SUP
board from the retainer member. Suitable straps may be described in
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/895,273 and U.S. Pat. No.
8,234,757, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated herein
for all purposes.
[0042] The second or distal end portion of strap 126 may be
releasably secured by any suitable device or structure,
corresponding to securing mechanism 32 described above. In some
embodiments, such as the one shown in FIGS. 3-4, a cam-style buckle
mechanism 148 is included at an end portion of body 122 and used to
secure the strap.
[0043] In the example shown, buckle mechanism 148 is disposed in or
adjacent to an aperture 150 formed in support unit 114 and sized to
allow strap 126 to pass therethrough. Buckle mechanism 148 may
include any suitable device that secures the position of strap 126.
In some examples, buckle mechanism 148 may include a cam-style
buckle, in which a lever portion may be operated to release or
secure the strap. In these examples, buckle mechanism 148 may have
an engaged position, in which the strap is allowed to move through
the buckle in only one direction. For example, the strap could be
tightened, but would be prevented from loosening by a portion of
the buckle that engages with the strap in a frictional and/or
toothed manner, and may pinch the strap against another structure.
Buckle mechanism may be placed into a released position, such as by
operating the lever portion by hand, which would disengage the
buckle from the strap and allow strap motion in both the loosening
and tightening directions.
[0044] Another embodiment of securing mechanism 32 and buckle 148
is described in further detail below (see Example 3).
[0045] Clamps 128 may be attached to a surface of body 122 such as
base 130. Clamps 128 may include any suitable devices or structures
configured to removably mount support unit 114 to crossbar 104. In
some examples, clamps 128 may include clamshell-style clamps, where
the clamp includes a first jaw portion hinged to a second jaw
portion, with a securing device for adjusting and/or holding the
clamp in a securing position. An example of this style of clamp is
shown in FIGS. 3-4. In some examples, clamps 128 may include
horizontal-style clamps, where the clamp includes a fixed jaw
stationarily attached to body 122 and a movable jaw configured to
move alternately toward and away from the fixed jaw. An example of
this style of clamp is shown in FIG. 6. Suitable examples that may
be used as clamps 128 are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 12/816,121 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,357,283, the entireties of which
are hereby incorporated herein for all purposes.
Example 2
[0046] This Example describes an illustrative board carrier support
having an integrated roller; see FIGS. 6 and 10.
[0047] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of another embodiment of support
20 similar to support unit 114, generally indicated at 200. Support
unit 200 has many of the same features and components described
above regarding unit 114. Corresponding features are indicated
using prime versions of the reference numbers used in Example 1.
Support unit 200 may include additional or alternative components
that will be identified and described in more detail.
[0048] As described regarding unit 114, unit 200 includes a body
122' comprising base 130' and an upper load-bearing surface 132'
that may include a first resilient pad 138' and a second resilient
pad 140' on either side of a central channel 142'. Body 122' has a
first end portion 134', a second end portion 136'. Unit 200
includes a strap 126' secured at a proximal end portion by an
attachment portion 144' of a retainer 124' and securable at a
distal end portion by a securing mechanism 148' (e.g., a buckle)
and aperture 150'. A pair of clamps 128' depend from base 130' for
securing the unit to a crossbar or the like.
[0049] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, first end
portion 134' of support unit 200 includes a roller assembly 202 and
buckle 148' includes a lockable strap retention mechanism 204.
Roller assembly 202 may include any suitable load-bearing device or
structure configured to aid in the loading of a SUP board from a
side of the vehicle, for example by providing a rolling support
under the board as it is positioned transverse to the support unit.
For example, roller assembly 202 may include a generally
cylindrical roller rotatable on an axle oriented perpendicular to a
long axis of unit 200. In the example shown in FIG. 6, roller
assembly 202 includes a standard wheel-type roller having an axis
oriented parallel to the elongate axis of the vehicle, i.e.,
perpendicular to the long axis of the crossbar. Other
reduced-friction weight-bearing devices may be included. In some
embodiments, a roller may be disposed, additionally or
alternatively, on second end portion 136'. In this Example, roller
assembly 202 is disposed inboard of aperture 150'. In other words,
the roller is between the vehicle's centerline or elongate axis and
the aperture associated with buckle mechanism 148'. In other words,
the roller is disposed between the buckle assembly and the center
of the support unit.
[0050] Lockable strap retention mechanism 204, an example of which
is described in greater detail below, includes a pushbutton release
206 and a lock mechanism 208 configured to selectively prevent
operation of release 206. See Example 3.
[0051] Each end portion of support unit 200 includes an enclosure
or housing. More specifically, first end portion 134' includes an
end cap 210 having an upper cover 212 and a lower cover 214. Second
end portion 136' includes a similar end cap 216, as shown in FIG.
6. End caps 210 and 216 may include any suitable structures
configured to provide improved wind resistance and/or esthetics as
well as support for internal structures and components as described
throughout this disclosure. Some or all of each end cap may be
permanently and/or rigidly attached to body 122'.
[0052] Turning to FIG. 10, first end 134' of support unit 200 is
shown in an elevation view, with upper end cover 212 drawn in
phantom lines to allow illustration of possible relationships
between selected components of roller assembly 202. Roller assembly
202 may include roller 218, which may be rotatable about an axle
220. Axle 220 may include any suitable structure or structures
configured to allow free rotation of roller 218. Axle 220 may
include a single elongate member, or may include a plurality of
members. For example, axle 220 may include a single, elongate pin
constructed of a rigid material such as metal. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 10, axle 220 is supported by an axle support 222,
which extends vertically from unit 200. In this example, axle
support 222 is an extension of lower end cover 214.
[0053] Roller 218, as described above, may include any suitable
rotating structure. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, roller 218
is generally cylindrical, and is configured to rotate about axle
220 in a direction along the long axis of unit 200. This
arrangement, in which axle 220 is oriented transverse to the long
axis of unit 200, facilitates loading of a board from one end of
the support unit, such as when loading a board onto an installed
carrier system from the side of a vehicle. To further facilitate
such functionality, roller 218 may have a diameter D and be mounted
on structure 222 such that the roller extends above support surface
132', by a height H.
[0054] Roller 218 may comprise any suitable material, and have any
suitable dimensions. Materials that have been found suitable
include a rigid plastic roller having an elastomer overmold, which
may result in a coefficient of friction of approximately 0.71.
Suitable dimensions include a roller that is approximately 40 mm
wide, with an approximately 45 mm diameter D. Roller 218 may extend
or protrude above support surface 132' (or a plane generally
defined by the upper load-bearing surface) by any suitable amount,
such as by height H of approximately 15 mm.
Example 3
[0055] This example describes an illustrative board carrier support
having integrated features in the form of a roller assembly, a
lockable buckle, and a paddle carrier, and further describes
embodiments of such integrated features; see FIG. 7-9.
[0056] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of another embodiment of support
20 similar to support units 114 and 200, generally indicated at
300. Support unit 300 has many of the same features and components
described above regarding units 114 and 200, although certain
components have been removed for efficiency of description.
Corresponding features are indicated using primed versions of the
reference numbers used in Example 2. Support unit 300 may include
additional or alternative components that will be identified and
described in more detail.
[0057] As described regarding units 114 and 200, unit 300 includes
a body 122'' comprising base 130'' and an upper load-bearing
surface 132'' that may include a first resilient pad 138'' and a
second resilient pad 140'' on either side of a central channel
142''. Body 122'' has a first end portion 134'', a second end
portion 136''. Unit 300 may include a strap (not shown) securable
at a distal end portion by a securing mechanism 148'' (e.g., a
buckle) and aperture 150''.
[0058] The proximal end (opposite the distal end) of the strap is
secured to a movable anchor, such as retainer members 124 and 124'.
As described in Example 1, a mechanical stop 301 may be included in
the channel to limit the range of travel of the retainer member. In
this Example, mechanical stop 301 includes a rigid pin extending
across channel 142''. Stop 301 is fixed at a suitable location and
height above the floor of channel 142'' such that a mechanical stop
would be blocked by the pin, preventing further travel toward first
end portion 134''.
[0059] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, first end portion 134''
of support unit 300 includes a roller assembly 202', and buckle
148'' includes a locking feature, such as a lockable strap
retention mechanism 204'. Lockable strap retention mechanism 204'
includes a pushbutton release 206' and a lock mechanism 208'.
[0060] An embodiment of lockable strap retention mechanism 204 and
204' is illustrated in FIG. 8 and generally indicated at 400.
Lockable strap retention mechanism 400 may include a spring-biased
cam portion 402, a cam actuator pushbutton 404 (corresponding to
release 206/206'), and a guide housing 406. Mechanism 400 may be
disposed adjacent to a roller 407, such that roller 407 is inboard
of mechanism 400 as shown in FIG. 8. In some embodiments, roller
407 may be located elsewhere, such as outboard of or above
mechanism 400.
[0061] Cam portion 402 may include any suitable strap engagement
mechanism configured to secure the strap between the cam portion
and a surface of guide housing 406. Similar to buckle mechanism 148
of support unit 114, cam portion 402 and guide housing 406 may
combine to prevent motion of a strap (not shown) in at least one
direction (e.g., loosening) when the cam portion is engaged and
pinching the strap.
[0062] Pushbutton 404 may be actuated manually to release or
disengage cam portion 402 from the strap by pivoting the cam
portion against the biasing of an associated spring 408 or other
biasing mechanism. Pushbutton 404 may be lockable using a lock
mechanism 410 (corresponding to lock 208/208'). Lock mechanism 410
may include any suitable device or structure configured to
selectively prevent pushbutton 404 from repositioning and thereby
releasing the strap. For example, lock mechanism 410 may include a
key-operated lock core having a member that rotates into an
interfering position with respect to the pushbutton when turned by
a key.
[0063] Guide housing 406 may include guide apertures or slots 412,
configured to guide an actuating portion of pushbutton 404 toward
cam portion 402. A cap or housing 414, shown in phantom, may be
included to enclose and support the aforementioned components of
mechanism 400, as shown in FIG. 8.
[0064] Returning now to FIG. 7, second end portion 136'' of support
unit 300 includes a paddle carrier 302, alternatively referred to
as a paddle support assembly. Paddle carrier 302 may include any
suitable structure or device configured to support and retain one
or more paddles 304 (shown in phantom outline) associated with a
SUP board. As shown in FIG. 7, paddle carrier 302 may be integrated
with or attached to the support unit. Alternatively, paddle carrier
302 may be a separate, standalone, cargo specific rack accessory.
In this Example, paddle carrier 302 includes one or more recesses
306 contoured and configured for cradling a paddle shaft, and a
bail 308. Bail 308 is configured to selectively (e.g., releasably)
secure paddle shaft(s) 304 to recesses 306. If more than one recess
306 is provided, the recesses may be disposed at different heights
in order to help prevent interference of the wider paddle ends of
retained paddles 304. If two support units are mounted on a
vehicle, recesses may be aligned such that a recess in a front
support unit will be in line with a corresponding recess in a rear
support unit, thereby allowing a single paddle shaft to be retained
by two paddle carriers.
[0065] Bail 308 may include any suitable structure configured to
hold or secure paddle shaft(s) 304 in the recesses. Bail 308 may be
comprised of a tough, hardened, and/or cut-resistant material or
combination of materials. In some embodiments, bail 308 may include
a hinged, rigid strap. In this Example, and with specific reference
to FIGS. 7 and 9, bail 308 includes T-shaped holder having a
retention portion 310 and a lockable, ratcheting dagger or spine
portion 312.
[0066] Retention portion 310 may be pivotable within a limited
range relative to spine portion 312 to accommodate the different
heights of retained paddle shafts. Retention portion 310 may be
lined with a resilient material to improve its grip on paddle
shafts 304 without damaging the shafts.
[0067] Bail 308 may be configured such that the bail is removable
from an aperture 314 in unit 300. Aperture 314 contains a bail
retention mechanism 316. Spine portion 312 of bail 308 may include
a toothed or stepped surface 318, which may be formed by recesses
in the spine. This allows the spine portion to have a smooth side
profile for insertion and removal from aperture 314, while also
allowing a correspondingly toothed or stepped portion of bail
retention mechanism 316 to mate with the spine portion. The toothed
or stepped surface 318 of spine portion 312 may be replicated on
both major faces of the spine, such that the bail may be inserted
into aperture 314 in either orientation. Because the toothed
portions of spine 312 and mechanism 316 are angled in one direction
(i.e., ratcheting), the spring-biased toothed portion of mechanism
316 allows spine 312 to be inserted without significant
interference. However, the toothed portion of mechanism 316
prevents removal of bail 308 unless the toothed portion is
disengaged from the spine by an actuating pushbutton 320.
Pushbutton 320 (also referred to as a pushbutton release) is
configured to overcome the spring bias of mechanism 316 and release
the bail. This is accomplished by causing side legs 322 and 324 to
push mechanism 316 away from spine 312. A locking mechanism 326 may
be included to lock the bail in place on the paddles by selectively
preventing the repositioning of pushbutton release 320.
Example 4
[0068] This section describes additional aspects and features of a
board carrier system in accordance with aspects of the present
disclosure, presented without limitation as a series of paragraphs,
some or all of which may be alphanumerically designated for clarity
and efficiency. Each of these paragraphs can be combined with one
or more other paragraphs, and/or with disclosure from elsewhere in
this application, including the materials incorporated by reference
in the Cross-References, in any suitable manner. Some of the
paragraphs below expressly refer to and further limit other
paragraphs, providing without limitation examples of some of the
suitable combinations.
1. A rack for carrying a board on top of a vehicle having an
elongate axis parallel to the direction of vehicular travel, the
rack comprising:
[0069] a pair of coupling devices for attaching a crossbar to the
vehicle, the crossbar being substantially perpendicular to the
elongate axis of the vehicle;
[0070] a support unit having an elongate body, a clamp attached to
a lower portion of the body for mounting the support unit to the
crossbar with a long axis of the body parallel to the crossbar, a
load-bearing surface on an upper portion of the body, and an end
portion of the body including a buckle mechanism;
[0071] a retainer movably attached to the support unit, the
retainer configured to travel toward and away from the buckle
mechanism along a path substantially parallel to the long axis of
the body; and
[0072] an elongate strap having a first end portion secured to the
movable retainer and a second end portion opposite the first end
portion;
[0073] wherein the buckle mechanism is configured to releasably
secure the second end portion of the strap.
2. The rack of paragraph 1, the body further including a central
channel running parallel to the long axis of the body, wherein the
movable retainer is slidably retained by the channel. 3. The rack
of paragraph 2, wherein the load-bearing surface comprises two
resilient elastomer pads disposed on opposite sides of the central
channel. 4. The rack of paragraph 1 or 2, wherein the clamp
comprises a fixed jaw stationarily attached to the body of the
support unit and a movable jaw configured to move alternately
toward and away from the fixed jaw. 5. The rack of any of
paragraphs 1-4, wherein the clamp comprises a first jaw portion
hingedly attached to a second jaw portion. 6. The rack of any of
paragraphs 1-5, wherein the buckle mechanism comprises a releasable
cam portion configured to prevent relative motion of the strap in
one direction when engaged and to allow relative motion of the
strap in two directions when released. 7. The rack of any of
paragraphs 1-6, wherein the end portion of the body is a first end
portion, the body further including a second end portion, and
wherein the retainer member is configured to slide freely along a
predefined linear path between the first and second end portions.
8. The rack of paragraph 7, wherein the second end portion includes
a paddle carrier. 9. The rack of paragraph 8, wherein the paddle
carrier includes a first recess for cradling a paddle shaft, and a
bail configured to releasably secure the paddle shaft to the first
recess. 10. The rack of paragraph 9, further including a second
recess disposed at a different height than the first recess. 11.
The rack of paragraph 9, wherein the bail is lockable to prevent
release of a paddle secured in the paddle carrier. 12. The rack of
any of paragraphs 1-11, wherein the load-bearing surface comprises
a resilient elastomer pad. 13. The rack of any of paragraphs 1-12,
further comprising a roller operatively attached to the end portion
of the body. 14. The rack of paragraph 13, wherein the roller is
disposed adjacent to the buckle mechanism and configured to rotate
about an axis perpendicular to the long axis of the elongate body
of the support unit. 15. The rack of paragraph 14, wherein the
roller is disposed between the center of the body and the buckle
mechanism. 16. The rack of any of paragraphs 1-15, the support unit
further including a recess configured to retain an excess portion
of the strap extending beyond the buckle mechanism. 17. The rack of
any of paragraphs 1-16, wherein the buckle mechanism is lockable to
prevent release. 18. The rack of any of paragraphs 1-17, wherein
the support unit is a first support unit, the crossbar is a first
crossbar, and the rack further includes a second support unit
mounted to a second crossbar. 19. A method for securing a board to
a rooftop rack on a vehicle, the method comprising:
[0074] placing a board on top of a vehicle roof rack including a
first support unit and a second support unit each oriented
perpendicular to an elongate axis of the vehicle and each including
an upper load bearing surface, with a major face of the board
contacting the load bearing surfaces of both the first and the
second support units;
[0075] at each support unit: passing a strap over the board, the
strap being connected at one end to a retainer member that is
slidably connected to the support unit such that the retainer
member is free to slide along the support unit in a direction
perpendicular to the elongate axis of the vehicle; adjusting the
strap on the board by pulling on a free end to cause the retainer
member to slide into a position corresponding to a width of the
board; and securing the free end of the strap in a buckle mechanism
at an end portion of the support unit.
20. The method of paragraph 19, wherein the placing step includes
placing the board onto rollers protruding above the respective
upper load bearing surfaces of the first and second support units.
21. A cargo specific rack accessory for carrying a board on top of
a vehicle having an elongate axis parallel to the direction of
vehicular travel, the accessory comprising:
[0076] an elongate body having an upper load-bearing surface, a
first end, and a second end;
[0077] a traveling retainer attached to the body such that the
retainer is capable of traveling freely along a length of the body
alternately toward and away from the first end of the body; and
[0078] a strap having a first end portion secured by the retainer
and a second end portion opposite the first end portion;
[0079] wherein the strap and traveling retainer are configured such
that a securing width automatically adjusts to correspond to a
board placed transversely on the body when the second end portion
of the strap is placed over the board and pulled toward the first
end of the body.
22. The accessory of paragraph 21, further including a buckle
mechanism disposed near the first end of the body, the buckle
mechanism being configured to secure the second end portion of the
strap. 23. A cargo specific rack accessory for carrying a board on
top of a vehicle having an elongate axis parallel to the direction
of vehicular travel, the accessory comprising:
[0080] an elongate body having an upper load-bearing surface, a
first end portion, and a second end portion;
[0081] a strap having a proximal end portion secured to the body
and a distal end portion opposite the proximal end portion;
[0082] the first end portion of the body including a buckle and a
roller assembly, the buckle configured to selectively secure the
distal end portion of the strap, and the roller assembly having a
generally cylindrical roller rotatable about an axis oriented
transverse to a long axis of the body.
24. The accessory of paragraph 23, wherein the roller protrudes
above a plane defined by the upper load-bearing surface. 25. The
accessory of any of paragraphs 23-24, wherein the buckle includes a
locking feature configured to prevent removal of the strap from the
buckle. 26. The accessory of any of paragraphs 23-25, wherein the
roller is disposed adjacent to the buckle mechanism and rotates
about an axle oriented perpendicular to the long axis of the body.
27. The accessory of any of paragraphs 23-26, wherein the roller is
disposed between a longitudinal center of the body and the buckle
mechanism. 28. The accessory of any of paragraphs 23-27, wherein
the proximal end portion of the strap is secured to the first end
portion by a travelling anchor block, the anchor block configured
to be movable along a path between the first end portion and the
second end portion. 29. The accessory of paragraph 28, the body
further including a central channel running parallel to the long
axis of the body, wherein the anchor block is slidably retained by
the channel.
Advantages, Features, Benefits
[0083] The different embodiments of the board carrier system
described herein provide several advantages over known solutions
involving vehicle rooftop carriers. For example, the illustrative
embodiments of board carrier units described herein allow automatic
adjustment for a range of board widths, including those of SUP
boards. Additionally, and among other benefits, illustrative
embodiments of the board carriers described herein may have support
surfaces that include extruded pads, allowing a larger support
surface for boards and automatically conforming to the shape of the
board. Furthermore, side rollers of selected embodiments may
facilitate loading of a board from the side of a vehicle.
Additionally, illustrative embodiments of the board carriers
described herein may be configured to hold one or more paddles
securely in addition to a board or boards. No known system or
device can perform these functions, or this combination of
functions. However, not all embodiments described herein provide
the same advantages or the same degree of advantage.
CONCLUSION
[0084] The disclosure set forth above may encompass multiple
distinct inventions with independent utility. Although each of
these inventions has been disclosed in its preferred form(s), the
specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein
are not to be considered in a limiting sense, because numerous
variations are possible. The subject matter of the invention(s)
includes all novel and nonobvious combinations and subcombinations
of the various elements, features, functions, and/or properties
disclosed herein. The following claims particularly point out
certain combinations and subcombinations regarded as novel and
nonobvious. Invention(s) embodied in other combinations and
subcombinations of features, functions, elements, and/or properties
may be claimed in applications claiming priority from this or a
related application. Such claims, whether directed to a different
invention or to the same invention, and whether broader, narrower,
equal, or different in scope to the original claims, also are
regarded as included within the subject matter of the invention(s)
of the present disclosure.
* * * * *